Wrongful death laws, which exist in all 50 states (and the District of Columbia) and vary from location to location, generally provide the ability for the decedent's beneficiaries to file a lawsuit for a death that was caused by another person's wrongful act or negligence. For example, deaths caused by drunk driving, the manufacture of defective or dangerous products, the faulty construction of a structure or building, failure to diagnose a fatal disease, or other reckless conduct may trigger wrongful death claims.

The types of damages recoverable in a wrongful death lawsuit will depend on the jurisdiction. Below are some examples of types of damages that may be recoverable:

• Lost benefits from the death, e.g., pension or retirement benefits
• Loss of anticipated future earnings the deceased would have provided
• Expense associated with the death, e.g., medical bills and funeral costs
• Loss of inheritance from an untimely death
• Loss of companionship, care or protection
• Pain, suffering or mental anguish suffered by the survivor of the decedent
• Punitive damages, intended to punish wrongdoers and prevent them from harming others (these are rarely awarded in Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia)

If you live in Metropolitan Washington (including the Maryland suburbs and Northern Virginia) or Baltimore (including its surrounding counties), and a loved one has died as a result of another person's wrongful act or negligence, you may be eligible to receive compensation under the law. Call us at 866-463-0303 (toll-free) or 202-463-0303 or contact us online for a free consultation.